Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on Friday congratulated Lien Chan, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party in Taiwan, on his becoming KMT honorary chairman.

Lien has made great contribution to the improvement and development of cross-Straits relations since he became the KMT leader, said Hu in his congratulatory message.

Hu recalled the historic visit to the mainland by Lien and his KMT delegation in April this year, during which the two parties discarded their decades-old feud and had communications and talks.

"Your visit attracted much attention worldwide, and the document of 'common aspiration and prospects for cross-Straits peace and development,' which we jointly issued with a view to promoting the benefits of compatriots on both sides of the Straits, is of great significance to pushing forward the cross-Straits relations on a path of peace and stability," said Hu.

"The historic step jointly taken by our two parties has been written into the history of the development of the cross-Straits relations. It is my sincere wish to make joint efforts with you to promote the peaceful and steady development of the cross-Straits relations and create a bright future for the Chinese nation," Hu added.

Source: Xinhua